This week {via Instagram}

But they are kind of big. and heavy. They stay at home during our regular outings because the diaper bag already weighs more than Isaac, and another bag would be too much to juggle.

Even at home lately, I don’t always grab one of the Nikons because there is just too much going on and I am so tired, and often the moment would be over too quick, etc, etc. I have been trying to make a point of shooting (with the Nikons) regularly since Isaac was born, because I want to capture this amazing time and because doing so helps me stay sane, but sometimes something smaller and easier to grab is just what I need to capture a moment.

So there’s this little app for the iPhone (and Droid, too now, I hear) called Instagram. It’s the sweetest thing- little square images, very fun filters (read: no post-processing needed), sends directly to Facebook and Tumblr to share with friends and family. It has made my phone my new method of documenting the everyday. It allows me to still take photos even in the craziness that is my life right now, and even though it is only a phone with zero technical knowledge needed, it gives me a bit of creative fulfillment. Of course I still crave my big cameras, and I still use them- nothing could replace that. But I love the moments I’ve been able to capture with this.

So I thought it would be fun to kind of recap each week (or so… I know better than to promise a weekly column of any kind…) using the Instagram photos I took. A glimpse into my days…

He turned 1 month old. In total denial (me, not him).

He prefers to sleep on me most of the time, and I’m completely cool with it. There are few things sweeter than a peaceful baby on your chest. Thankful for my sling and wrap carriers though!

It rained here and there, in between intense heat and sun. Yes, Summer in South Florida is on its way.

We’re potty training with Seth, which is happening, though a bit slowly. I made a chart with those little foil stars, and he gets a treat every 10 stars.
Yummy Earth lollipops have no high fructose corn syrup and no artificial dyes, and they taste better than the ones that do. win.

Also, you can see his new haircut in this picture. I’m not a fan of the way they did the front/bangs area. Actually, watching them do it made me want to try cutting his hair myself. It would save so much money and I feel like I could learn to do it they way I want it. Does anyone know of any tutorials for this online?

(By the way I never thought I would be trading treats for pottying. Motherhood tends to find you doing a lot of things you didn’t think you would. But it seems to motivate him.
If anyone has any magic potty tips I’d love them, especially for getting him to do #2 there…)

Isaac, at 4 weeks, still had some jaundice (not very bad, but still visible in the whites of his eyes). So he spent some time sunbathing this week, since the sun can help flush biliruben from the body.
Alas, it stayed and his doctor wanted to see him again yesterday. They took a vial of blood from his arm and I almost cried with him. I hate so much to see my babies in pain.

I finally got back into my garden this week, which was in desperate need of weeding. The basil, parsley, thyme and cilantro I planted seeds for a few months ago are doing really well.
I planted some more seeds this week, which are currently being watered by the rain. It felt so good to connect with the earth again and get my hands dirty. I’m sticking with herbs this season- they are easier for me than veggies, and I need easy right now.

I decided to take part in an Instagram photo challenge for the month of April, hosted by Paper Coterie. The theme is “my life”. It’s been fun so far.

For day 2: my handwriting. I’ve been journaling more again. I feel so much better when I do- it organizes my mind.

For day 4: my reflection- in the back yard, with Isaac in the mouna wrap. It’s his happy place.

One of my mother-in-law’s neighbors has one of the greenest thumbs I know of. She gave me these pretty zinnias from her yard.

Every day, many times a day, Seth asks to hold the baby. I’m so thankful that he loves his brother so much already. This makes my heart so full.

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What did you do this week? Do you have any big plans for Easter weekend?